We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving the Twin Cities and surrounding recovery community. We honor all pathways to recovery, and everyone is welcome at our activities. This includes the friends, family, and supporters who walk alongside you.

Our Mission: We foster growth for individuals in recovery by promoting meaningful connections with others, themselves, and the environment through active engagement in the outdoors.

Story of the Jack Pine

Where there is fire, the Jack Pine thrives. This resilient tree has a remarkable ability to turn destruction into renewal. Its cones remain sealed until exposed to the heat of a wildfire, releasing seeds that bring new growth to the land.

Like the Jack Pine, those of us in recovery from substance use and mental health challenges grow through adversity. The struggles we face may feel overwhelming, but they also create the conditions for transformation. From the ashes of hardship, we find strength, renewal, and the opportunity to become who we are meant to be.

At Jack Pine Outdoors, we embrace this spirit of resilience. Through nature, movement, and community, we support each other in turning life’s challenges into opportunities for growth, just like the Jack Pine.


Our Vision

Jack Pine Outdoors envisions a community where individuals in recovery or seeking recovery from substance use and mental health challenges can heal, grow, and thrive through the power of nature, movement, and connection. As a peer-driven recovery support group, we are committed to reducing barriers by providing outdoor activities at little to no cost, ensuring accessibility for all.

Starting at the local level, we engage participants in outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and skiing, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. Through community partnerships, we aim to secure equipment donations and financial support, allowing us to expand our offerings and reach more individuals in need.


Our long-term vision includes establishing a dedicated physical space at the heart of the community and creating a hub for connection, equipment storage, and transportation coordination. We will continue collaborating with local resources, ensuring participants have access to comprehensive support as they navigate their recovery journey.

At Jack Pine Outdoors, we believe that recovery is not just about overcoming challenges. It's about rediscovering joy, purpose, and strength through adventure.


Meet the Team

  • Carl Holman

    Founder, Executive Director

    Carl has always felt most at home in the outdoors. From childhood hikes through Minnesota’s forests to long days spent exploring trails on two wheels, nature has been a grounding force in his life. However, during his struggle with addiction, that connection was lost as substance use took priority over everything else.

    Since beginning sustained recovery in 2015, Carl has rediscovered the outdoors; not just as a hobby, but as a vital part of his healing journey. Mountain biking, hiking, and nature photography have become cornerstones of his recovery, offering both challenge and peace. Whether navigating rugged singletrack or capturing quiet moments in the woods through his lens, Carl finds purpose and renewal in every adventure.

    While working as a drug and alcohol counselor, Carl was inspired by The Phoenix, a Colorado-based nonprofit he volunteered with that promotes active recovery through fitness and outdoor engagement. That experience planted the seed for what would become Jack Pine Outdoors—a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting individuals in recovery through outdoor adventure, connection, and community.

    In 2025, the stars aligned to bring Jack Pine Outdoors to life, serving the Twin Cities and surrounding areas with a mission to help others find healing and joy in the natural world.

  • Courtney Holman

    Treasurer, Board Member

    Courtney’s love for the outdoors began in childhood, exploring the Boundary Waters on canoe trips and hiking the waterfalls of the North Shore, often finding quiet moments of reflection along the shores of Lake Superior. These early experiences fostered a deep appreciation for physical activity, the beauty of nature, and the peace found at the end of a trail.

    For more than 11 years, Courtney has worked in addiction and mental health nursing, serving individuals across the lifespan — from adolescents to older adults. Her career has included roles in residential treatment programs, outpatient clinics, and, most recently, working with veterans.

    Believing in the powerful, healing connection between nature and recovery, Courtney is passionate about bringing people together to connect, grow, and find belonging in a community drawn to the strength and beauty of the outdoors.